My wife wanted to go to Jamil's for her birthday. Neither of us have been there but always heard good things about it. However, it has mixed reviews on Yelp and Urbanspoon but not many recent reviews. Anyone been there lately and your thoughts on the place?

I guess I'll give my own review since we went last evening. Okay, past it's prime but funky in sorta a good way. The appetizers they lead with, the tabuli, hummus, etc were good with exception of cabbage rolls--cold, not a good filling. One bite and done. Pita bread was excellent. Steaks were good. Tender and cooked just right. If you want a baked potato for your side dish, you're good. No other choice. Very, very, very overpriced for what you got. With a glass of wine each, came to almost $100 for two. We can say we've been there but will likely never go back. I think Cattleman's has better steaks at much more afordable price. Many other better steak places in the metro. Despite generally a pleasant experience, not sure I'd recommend it as a first choice.

I would go to Jamil's over Cattleman's, but I would go to tons of other steak places before Jamil's, too. Red Prime is definitely the best.

red prime is my favorite steak place in the city, with that said if you google search how to cook a perfect steak you can make a better for alot cheaper. people are afraid of steaks because of the price, but unless you over cook one its actually kinda hard to mess one up.

red prime is still a great place and our go-to for a very nice non do it yourself dinner.

I go to Jamil's often.. maybe once every two weeks or so for lunch. It's a favorite of our state legislators. It's fun to go there just to eavesdrop on some of the conversations between lobbyists and legislators. The menu probably hasn't changed very much in 20-30 years. It's your standard Oklahoma Lebanese steakhouse fare--think a slightly scaled down version of Michael's. My favorite thing on the menu is the salmon. It's just excellent. If you're into burgers, they have some pretty classic options. Nothing S&Bish by any stretch.

Jamil's feels like a piece of Oklahoma history, and I guess to some extent it is. If you want a dining experience straight out of the 80s, it's the place to go. That's not anything negative. The food is just fine. The menu is safe and familiar. That's sometimes a good thing.

I go to Jamil's often.. maybe once every two weeks or so for lunch. It's a favorite of our state legislators. It's fun to go there just to eavesdrop on some of the conversations between lobbyists and legislators. The menu probably hasn't changed very much in 20-30 years. It's your standard Oklahoma Lebanese steakhouse fare--think a slightly scaled down version of Michael's. My favorite thing on the menu is the salmon. It's just excellent. If you're into burgers, they have some pretty classic options. Nothing S&Bish by any stretch.

Jamil's feels like a piece of Oklahoma history, and I guess to some extent it is. If you want a dining experience straight out of the 80s, it's the place to go. That's not anything negative. The food is just fine. The menu is safe and familiar. That's sometimes a good thing.

I agree with Midtowner. Good food, friendly ownership. Combine it with another weekend night at Junior's and you'd have a double-retro dining experience. Not much changes at either place, but the secrets those places could tell, if only walls could talk.

Longstar and Saltgrass has way better steaks.

When I was a young man in the late 60's and early 70's I thought Jamil's and Eddy 's were quite sophisticated and rather expensive.

But that was at a time when dining out was still pretty rare for a rural Oklahoma boy and the world was a lot smaller.

When I was a young man in the late 60's and early 70's I thought Jamil's and Eddy 's were quite sophisticated and rather expensive.

But that was at a time when dining out was still pretty rare for a rural Oklahoma boy and the world was a lot smaller.

The only time I ever ate at Jamil's was back in the mid-70's and I felt exactly the same way. I remember that I liked it and that there was nothing among their appetizers that I had ever eaten before. I don't recall that it seemed way out of line price-wise but for whatever reason I never made a return visit. I have no idea why . . . Of course, today there are dozens and dozens of attractive dining establishments to choose from so . . .

My wife's employer had a company dinner at Junior's not long ago, and she said it seemed to be a very expensive place. I guess people are willing to pay for old-time, timeless quality that never goes out of style. For any restaurant to last as long as they have they must be doing something right.

Oh! Just for comparison's sake, the only $100-plus (for two) places I've been to around here would be Nikz at The Top, Gabriella's and Deep Fork. I thought all three provided a great dining value. Unfortunately, only one of those three remains in business. (Today I think one of the best dining values in town is the restaurant at Platt College, Chefs di Domani. They are still around, aren't they? =)

I don't precisely remember my wage in 1967-68 but I think it was about $1.00 per hour or a little more. I also don't recall exactly what I spent at Jamil's for me and my date but pretty sure it took me a couple of days labor to buy it. That seemed a lot at the time.

I don't precisely remember my wage in 1967-68 but I think it was about $1.00 per hour or a little more. I also don't recall exactly what I spent at Jamil's for me and my date but pretty sure it took me a couple of days labor to buy it. That seemed a lot at the time.

It was a lot. Just like--at least in my opinion--$100 for 2 (before the tip) is a lot. Of course, back in '67 gasoline was about $0.27 a gallon so I suppose it's all relative. =) Sometimes it's worth it to splurge . . . yet only if the cost/value balance is right.

For anyone interested in trying out Jamil's they have a Groupon promotion which just came out.

Longstar and Saltgrass has way better steaks.

You can eat local and do much better than either of those.

Especially if you factor-in the cost of the dilithium crystals for the warp drive to get to Longstar.

You can eat local and do much better than either of those.

Agreed, but they were comparing steaks at Jamil's to Lonestar and Saltgrass. On that, they are probably correct. If they had been comparing Lonestar and Saltgrass to Mahogany, Red, MMantles, Ranch, Opus, Boulevard, then I would agree.

I've never had a bad meal at Jamil's. Also, call ahead and tell them you are dining for a special occasion.

I've never had a bad meal at Jamil's. Also, call ahead and tell them you are dining for a special occasion.


Same here, but I haven't been in years.

It was my mother's go to place for special occasions. The appetizers listed above were always great, especially the cabbage rolls. I can't comment on price, I've only ever been as a guest.

You're quite right RJ, there are better steaks in OK, and for a better price, but I don't consider those places to offer a comparable atmosphere. If I want the best steak in Oklahoma I drive out to Amber. If I want to dress up and show off, I'd go Jamil's. ...for the record, I never dress up and show off - that's just a hypothetical.

I've not kept count but I suspect I've had more dinners at Jamil's wearing polo/casual slack as I've had wearing coat/tie. Lunches would be the opposite as any lunch stop will typically follow a meeting or event where coat/tie were necessary.

Was there a Jamil's or something like it on Meridian just north of 39th street about 10 or 15 years ago next to Allegiance Credit Union?

You are thinking of Eddy's Steakhouse on the west side of Meridian just north of 39th.

It closed a few years ago.

Eddy's Steakhouse Closing at end of 07!!! - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Eddys+Steakhouse+Closing+at+end +of+07&highlight=eddy%27s)

Yeah, the OKC Jamil's has been at its N Lincoln location as far back as I can recall.
Never tried Eddy's before it closed. Back in those days usually just went with Jamil's or Mantle or Indian Hills before it went away.
And of all places, in the late, late 80's the steaks at what was then Holiday Inn on W Main in Norman the steaks were way better than I first expected to find them to be.

Chris Young, who owned and ran Eddy's, claimed Jamil as a relative. I met Chris in '86 when I was getting out of the food service business and hunting a buyer for my equipment. Unfortunately, he was selling, not buying.

I ate at Eddy's a couple of times. Not bad, but nothing out of the ordinary either. OTOH I'm not a lover of all forms of Mediterranean cuisine, except for cello kabob with sumac...

Chris Young, who owned and ran Eddy's, claimed Jamil as a relative. I met Chris in '86 when I was getting out of the food service business and hunting a buyer for my equipment. Unfortunately, he was selling, not buying.

I ate at Eddy's a couple of times. Not bad, but nothing out of the ordinary either. OTOH I'm not a lover of all forms of Mediterranean cuisine, except for cello kabob with sumac...

Jim,
I didn't really think of Eddy's or Jamil's as Mediterranean cuisine. Sure, they provided Lebanese hors d'oeuvres, but weren't they really just steak restaurants (Ok, chicken and seafood as well)? I have enjoyed a lot of steaks at Jamil's and a couple at Eddy's.
C. T.

Nice little feature on Jamil's in the new Saveur. Mostly focuses on the Tulsa location, which my grandfather took me to when, I wanna say, I was about 9. I just remember going nuts on the appetizers. I don't have a link yet.

okc location really needs some help and updating though.

I've not kept count but I suspect I've had more dinners at Jamil's wearing polo/casual slack as I've had wearing coat/tie. Lunches would be the opposite as any lunch stop will typically follow a meeting or event where coat/tie were necessary.

I miss Kevin's posts and wit. May he continue to rest in peace

Press release:

************

A Culinary Journey Through Time: Jamil's Steakhouse Celebrates 60 Years of Flavorful Traditions
Diamond Anniversary Special: A Feast for Two for Just $60

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – 1964: A year charged with the electric fervor of Beatlemania, the boundless thrill of space exploration and cinematic adventures at the modest price of $1.25 a ticket. Amidst this exuberant backdrop, Oklahoma City welcomed the grand opening of Jamil's Steakhouse in 1964. Today, as they roll out the red carpet for Jamil's diamond anniversary, they revel in six decades that beautifully melded nostalgic charm with a steadfast legacy of culinary distinction.

To commemorate the anniversary, Jamil’s Steakhouse invites everyone to celebrate its 60 years of dedication to fine dining, celebrated cuts of beef, signature smoked bologna, and so much more as part of an extraordinary journey in hospitality and a future flavored with tradition, community, and unparalleled dining experiences.

Greg Gawey, who started working at the restaurant in 1969 and officially took over operations in 1975, reflected on the journey: "From the moment my uncle Jamil founded this special place, our doors have opened to stories, celebrations, and a shared love for hearty meals. This is more than a restaurant; it's a gathering place where memories are seasoned with love and laughter. Our mission has always been to create a haven where time slows, conversations flow, and every meal is a tribute to the rich tapestry of our community's history."

Jamil's OKC tale began on the historic grounds of 4910 N. Lincoln Blvd, evolving from a private residence built in the early 1930’s on old route 66, to a popular dance hall and speakeasy to the esteemed Lebanese steakhouse known today. Throughout the years, each dish served is a nod to their roots – from the flavorful Lebanese mezze, cabbage rolls, hummus, and tabouli, to the tender steaks that have become synonymous with their name. The restaurant's ambiance, adorned with relics from its eclectic past, invites diners to dine amidst history – from the Tiffany fixtures gifted by Gawey's uncle to the storied piano that has witnessed decades of revelry.

"In celebrating our 60th anniversary, we honor not just the passage of time but the flavors, conversations, and the community that have made Jamil's what it is today," added Gawey. "Join us in marking this milestone with a special dinner for two, a toast to tradition and to many years ahead, all for the celebratory price of $60."

The 60th anniversary dine-in-only limited-time dinner special includes entrée choice of an 11 oz KC sirloin, grilled salmon, or jumbo fried shrimp with all appetizers and baked potato included.

Jamil's commitment to excellence and its homage to history has cemented its status as a cornerstone of Oklahoma's culinary scene. For more details about Jamil’s 60th-anniversary celebrations and to reserve a table, visit Jamil's Steakhouse OKC.

The Bolo Burger at Jamil's is a burger everyone needs to experience at least once in their life...... Much to my doctor's chagrin I've experienced it multiple times. ;)

Jamil's has been a family favorite since I was a young child. Have always liked Greg Gawey as well outside the restaurant, just a super nice guy. Amazing run for sure! Hope they have many more successful years!

Press release:

************

A Culinary Journey Through Time: Jamil's Steakhouse Celebrates 60 Years of Flavorful Traditions
Diamond Anniversary Special: A Feast for Two for Just $60

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – 1964: A year charged with the electric fervor of Beatlemania, the boundless thrill of space exploration and cinematic adventures at the modest price of $1.25 a ticket. Amidst this exuberant backdrop, Oklahoma City welcomed the grand opening of Jamil's Steakhouse in 1964. Today, as they roll out the red carpet for Jamil's diamond anniversary, they revel in six decades that beautifully melded nostalgic charm with a steadfast legacy of culinary distinction.

To commemorate the anniversary, Jamil’s Steakhouse invites everyone to celebrate its 60 years of dedication to fine dining, celebrated cuts of beef, signature smoked bologna, and so much more as part of an extraordinary journey in hospitality and a future flavored with tradition, community, and unparalleled dining experiences.

Greg Gawey, who started working at the restaurant in 1969 and officially took over operations in 1975, reflected on the journey: "From the moment my uncle Jamil founded this special place, our doors have opened to stories, celebrations, and a shared love for hearty meals. This is more than a restaurant; it's a gathering place where memories are seasoned with love and laughter. Our mission has always been to create a haven where time slows, conversations flow, and every meal is a tribute to the rich tapestry of our community's history."

Jamil's OKC tale began on the historic grounds of 4910 N. Lincoln Blvd, evolving from a private residence built in the early 1930’s on old route 66, to a popular dance hall and speakeasy to the esteemed Lebanese steakhouse known today. Throughout the years, each dish served is a nod to their roots – from the flavorful Lebanese mezze, cabbage rolls, hummus, and tabouli, to the tender steaks that have become synonymous with their name. The restaurant's ambiance, adorned with relics from its eclectic past, invites diners to dine amidst history – from the Tiffany fixtures gifted by Gawey's uncle to the storied piano that has witnessed decades of revelry.

"In celebrating our 60th anniversary, we honor not just the passage of time but the flavors, conversations, and the community that have made Jamil's what it is today," added Gawey. "Join us in marking this milestone with a special dinner for two, a toast to tradition and to many years ahead, all for the celebratory price of $60."

The 60th anniversary dine-in-only limited-time dinner special includes entrée choice of an 11 oz KC sirloin, grilled salmon, or jumbo fried shrimp with all appetizers and baked potato included.

Jamil's commitment to excellence and its homage to history has cemented its status as a cornerstone of Oklahoma's culinary scene. For more details about Jamil’s 60th-anniversary celebrations and to reserve a table, visit Jamil's Steakhouse OKC.

NM, misread.